The National Flood Insurance Program Branch provides floodplain management technical assistance and training opportunities to local government officials, citizens, surveyors, engineers, architects, lenders and insurance agents. The NFIP Branch also administers the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program described below.
Contacts: State NFIP Coordinator, 116 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603-1335.
Telephone: (919) 733-5392. FAX: (919) 715-5408.
Internet Site: www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA provides hazard mitigation assistance to states and local governments through a variety of
programs and initiatives. Mitigation programs related to high wind, hurricane and flood hazards
are briefly described below. For more information on these and other programs you are
encouraged to visit FEMA's web page.
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP was created in 1968 by the Congress to provide federally-backed flood insurance to those who generally were not able to obtain it from the private-sector companies, and to promote sound floodplain management practices in flood prone areas. The floodplain management aspects of the program are administered by FEMA's Mitigation Directorate and the insurance aspects are administered by the Federal Insurance Administration, also part of FEMA.
Community Rating System (CRS). The Community Rating System was established to encourage state and community flood loss reduction activities beyond those required for participation in the NFIP. Flood insurance premiums are lower in those communities that undertake activities to reduce flood losses, facilitate accurate insurance rating, promote the awareness of flood insurance and protect the natural and beneficial functions of flood hazard areas.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides up to 75 percent of the funds needed for an approved mitigation project's total eligible cost. The remaining state or local match can consist of in-kind services and materials. The HMGP's objectives are to prevent future losses of lives and property due to disasters, to implement state and local hazard mitigation plans, to enable mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster, and to provide funding for previously identified mitigation measures that benefit a disaster area.
The HMGP can be used to fund projects to protect either public or private property. Examples
of projects include:
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP). Under the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, FEMA provides assistance for activities that will reduce the risk of flood damage to structures insurable under the National Flood Insurance Program. The program is a state-administered, cost-share program through which states and communities can receive grants for flood mitigation planning, technical assistance, and mitigation projects. FMAP grant funds are allocated to states based on the number of flood insurance policies in force and the number of repetitive loss structures.
FMAP Planning Grants. FMAP planning grants are used to assist states and local governments in developing and updating flood mitigation plans. The plan development process should consist of the following activities: public involvement, coordination with other agencies or organizations, flood hazard area inventory, problem identification, and review of possible mitigation actions.
Contacts: Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472
Contacts: National Weather Service, NOAA
1325 East-West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Contacts: Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts
North Carolina State University, Sea Grant Extension Program
The North Carolina Sea Grant Extension Program and the Civil Engineering Department at North
Carolina State University provide general advice on flood and hurricane-resistant construction
techniques and shoreline erosion.
Contact: Spencer Rogers, NC Sea Grant, 7205 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Telephone: (910) 256-2083. E-mail: rogerssp@uncwil.edu
The Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) Program and the Planning Assistance to States (PAS) Program to help local governments develop their own plans and to initiate their own floodplanin management actions. Under these programs the Corps can provide flood data and carry out certain local studies. These programs are delivered through district offices whose jurisdictions are based on river basins. Four districts have jurisdiction over portions of North Carolina, with the Wilmington District assigned the coordination role among the districts.
Contacts: Wilmington District Telephone: (910) 251-4720
P. O. Box 1890
Wilmington, NC 28402-1890
Attn: CESAW-PD-F
Internet Sites:www.usace.army.mil
www.saw.usace.army.mil
Contacts: North Carolina Geological Survey Telephone (919) 733-2423
Archdale Building
512 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27604-1148
U.S. Geological Survey Telephone (919) 571-4069
North Carolina District Office
3916 Sunset Ridge Road
Raleigh, NC 27607
Internet Site: www.usgs.gov